Raleigh Denim is the hot topic of conversation in the denim industry, fresh off the launch of their first downtown NYC denim boutique and a gorgeous spring 2013 presentation. While the buzz of having an in-house ferris wheel and insane interior architecture is keeping them on the tongues of every denim-lover in town, there’s also a matter of amazing new styles we can’t wait to get our hands on. A spectrum of dark-wash high waisted jeans and jean shorts for women are imminent. Some styles are softer and more romantic, while others are as crisp as can be.

Stay tuned for photos from the Raleigh Denim NYC store opening party & more from their SS13 line.

What is the golden rule for denim shopping? Avoid muffin tops by buying jeans with at least an 8″ rise! The rise is the length from the bottom of the crotch to the top of the waist band. Buying jeans without trying them on is hard enough, but this is one regulation to stick by if you want the best chance of flattering your figure. Sarah reminds us of this all-important rule in this week’s video below.

Need help finding some high-waisted and mid-rise jeans? Check out a few of our favorite pairs below!

While many brands are riding the colored denim train ’round and ’round the color wheel, some brands are sticking to a palette of classic hues this spring. Fidelity Denim is one such brand, with their spring 2012 line of gorgeous washes in denim jeans, skirts, and vests. They showed us a perfect high-waisted button-up skirt in dark wash, as well as a more playful pintucked acid wash counterpart (90s influence? We adore it). Jeans appeared in a sought-after boyfriend fit, a high-rise flare leg vintage-inspired trouser jean, and a beautiful light wash denim vest that would literally go with anything. We love creativity, novelty, and color, but as Fidelity Denim knows, the classics will never go out of style.